Addressing Moles at Our Office in Thousand Oaks
Pierre Skin Care Institute is located in Thousand Oaks, California. Dr. Peterson Pierre, a board-certified dermatologist, established the institute in 2004. It provides a variety of medical and cosmetic services. Whether you are looking to address moles or get rid of stubborn fat, our team can help you! Some of our treatments include the following:
• Skin cancer treatments
• Dermal fillers
• Eczema treatments
• Laser hair removal
• Chemical peels
• Skin tightening
What are Moles?
Moles are small growths on the skin caused by unusually concentrated clusters of pigment cells called melanocytes. While most are black or dark brown, they can come in other colors like red, blue, tan, pink, or white. They can be raised or flat.
The average person has about 30 or 40 moles all over their body. People can be born with them or develop them later. Most of them appear by the time a patient is 20 years old.
While the vast majority of these marks are harmless, some can develop into melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Moles, therefore, require watching. Experts recommend having a dermatologist examine these spots at least once a year. The patient should also periodically examine them on their own.
What are the ABCDEs?
The ABCDEs describe signs of possible melanoma that a patient or doctor examining moles should look for. They are as follows:
A = Asymmetry – The two halves look different from each other
B = Border – The mole has an irregular and uneven border with jagged edges
C = Color – It is several different colors
D = Diameter – It is over ¼ inch across
E= Evolving – It is growing, turning colors, or otherwise changing
Treatment Options
If something looks suspicious, the doctor’s first step will be to order a tissue biopsy. Surgical excision is the most common method for removing a suspicious mole. The doctor removes the blemish plus a margin of apparently healthy tissue to prevent cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body.
Some patients in Thousand Oaks may want to remove a mole for aesthetic reasons. Removing such a mole will also prevent it from turning cancerous. Excision is, again, the most common method. Smaller ones may be removed with a laser or by other means.
If anything looks suspicious on your skin, schedule a consultation at Pierre Skin Care Institute as soon as possible. Contact us today to book an appointment at our office in Thousand Oaks.
